This German band is wrapped in mystery regarding the true identity of the musicians, but that happens more than once in this post black metal era. Founded in 2010, Stellar Master Elite released earlier two albums, but the third one introduces new vocalist E.K. This is ultra despondent stuff in black/doom metal style with an experimental flavour due to the abundant use of synthesizers. Here we have a record that needs to grow during several spins and then it becomes a secular masterpiece, anyways for those who are not cumbered by strict expectations.

Yet even those people will admit there are some influences from Satyricon in the lengthy compositions; the rocking groove of Darkthrone and the experimental drift from Ved Buens Ende shines through as well. ‘Transmission: Disruption’ for example, starts with soaring keyboards and prompt percussion, but soon ponderous grunts cleave through the slow wall of sound. The up and down going cadenza is relished with any psychedelic sounds, but the fervent acceleration (with slow vocals!) makes us prick our ears. Stiff and dissonant ‘Desperate Grandeur’ kicks off. Mordant chants are haunted by inventive prog-like runs. This rocks, although the solemn background reigns forever. The estranged element pops up when fluttering guitar sounds are cooled down by a sample in German language during ‘Buried In Oblivion’. Also here the term ‘black ’n’ roll is tenable is some passages, but the bestial screams later on are ultra intense.

Schwadorf of Empyrium was involved in the recording process – together with Sebastian Schneider of Sonic Reign at the Sonic Room Studios – and his deep, hearty voice makes ‘Perdition Time Loop’ a surprising and amazing dark statement. With soaring organ and superior percussion he brings melancholy to a culmination in this song. Towards the end they go in crescendo with misty, whispering passages. Magnificent! The following ‘Hologram Temple’ remains deep and slow as a blackened steam train, with spoken parts and eerie organ sounds. This dives into the depths of mankind! Two shorter songs with primordial rocking allure precede the fourteen minutes long title track. Again ultra ponderous doom passages go hand in hand with the wild rocking fragments, while samples and keyboards keep on embracing the estranging mood. On the soaring synths and emotive leads of ‘Downfall’ we float towards the eternity mentioned in the title… The adventurous black/doom metal fan has a must-have they cannot ignore!